Island Hopping & City Walls Cruise with Food and Open Bar

Island hopping from Dubrovnik is interesting because you are not just looking at coastlines, you are hopping between them by boat. You get Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud in one day, and that saves you the usual ferry juggling. I like that lunch is included and you are not forced into a rushed meal search. The one thing to think about is timing, especially on Lopud and Old Town, since you are on the schedule and not free-floating all day.

The vibe is also practical and friendly, with a host named Ana helping the day run smoothly. You board with a mobile ticket, and the route is built for comfort, including a restroom onboard and time to swim at multiple stops. If you want a slow, deep dive into every beach, this might feel a bit fast, but for a first taste of the Elaphite Islands, it is a smart setup.

Key things that make this cruise work

• A real multi-island mix across Kolocep, Sipan, and Lopud, not just one stop
• Lunch included (fish, chicken, or vegetarian), plus bottled water
• Wine and onboard drinks keep the afternoon easy, with refills handled by the staff
• Beach time is built in, including a chance to get oriented on Lopud
• A sunset sail back while you return toward Dubrovnik’s port area
• Small-to-medium group size with a maximum of 120 people, so it does not feel chaotic

Why the Elaphite Islands feel different from the boat

Dubrovnik’s coastline is gorgeous, but from land you can only see so much. A boat flips the whole perspective. The Elaphites are scattered islands off the city, and each one has a different feel: some are more for a swim and a short walk, others are where people actually go to spend time on the beach.

This kind of cruise is also a value move. You are paying for the convenience of organized transport, timed stops, and a meal. You are not paying for a private charter. And because the route includes multiple islands, you are less likely to feel like you picked the wrong one.

The best part is the rhythm. You get movement without constantly packing and unpacking. You can sit, people-watch for a bit, then stand up and head straight for water when the boat stops.

The full route, with what to do at each stop

The cruise runs about 7 hours, starting at 10:45 am. You bounce between islands, then you finish with Old Town time in Dubrovnik, with sunset on the way back to the port.

Here is how the day typically plays out, stop by stop.

Stop 1: Kolocep Island (about 45 minutes)

Kolocep is the first stop, and it is built for immediate payoff. You get enough time to do something simple and satisfying: a swim, a short walk, or a coffee if you want something warm before you settle into beach mode.

With only about 45 minutes, you should plan to keep it light. I would not treat Kolocep as a place for a long hike. Instead, treat it like an opening act. Get your bearings fast, test the water, and then save the deeper beach exploration for later.

This is also a good stop if you want a quick break from Dubrovnik’s streets. When you arrive, the island feels calmer, and the boat landing makes it easy to move right into the day.

Stop 2: Sipan (about 40 minutes, plus a summer house visit)

Sipan is one of the larger Elaphite islands, so even a short stop feels like you are seeing more than just a tiny dot on a map. You have about 40 minutes, including time to see the summer house Skočibuha and then time to swim.

That combo matters. A quick sight element gives the stop context, and then swimming keeps it from feeling like a museum detour. If you are the type who likes at least one cultural moment on a beach day, Sipan is the island that does that for you.

The main drawback is the same as every short stop. You cannot do everything. If you are set on a big swim session, skip the slow wandering and go straight to water.

Stop 3: Lopud (about 2 hours, your main beach time)

Lopud is the big one on this route, with about 2 hours. This is where you should plan to actually spend most of your day.

You also have a fun strategy here: do a short walk to orient yourself, then aim for the side of the island that gives you the beach experience you want. If you want the most popular beach, Šunj, you can head that way.

One practical tip based on real-world timing: getting to Šunj can take extra effort. One traveler noted a 15-minute walk and then a small golf cart fee of about 3 euro in cash each way, which then leaves you roughly 45 minutes to an hour at the beach. So yes, Šunj is worth seeing, but go in with your expectations set. Two hours sounds like a lot until you add travel time to the beach.

If you want the easiest plan, stay closer to where you first land and use that time for swimming, shade, and a slow snack after you work up an appetite.

Stop 4: Old Town Dubrovnik (about 1.5 hours, sunset return)

After the islands, you return to Dubrovnik’s port area and get about 1 hour 30 minutes in Old Town. The sail back is timed with sunset, which is a lovely transition. You watch the light shift while you are moving, then you step into the golden-hour streets.

One important reality: 1.5 hours is enough to get oriented and see key viewpoints, but it is not enough for a full Old Town circuit if you are planning a deep walk. This stop works best if you use it to pick one or two priorities, like a main street stroll, a photo stop at a viewpoint you have bookmarked, or a quick wander before you head back to your evening plans.

The joy here is that you are arriving when the city is starting to glow. If you like your Dubrovnik photos with fewer midday shadows and a nicer sky, this timing helps.

Lunch, drinks, and what included actually means

This cruise is built around food and liquids, and it is not vague. Lunch is included, and you get a choice between fish, chicken, or vegetarian. That matters because it takes away one of the biggest headaches on island days: finding something that fits your appetite and dietary needs quickly.

You also get bottled water with lunch. That is a small detail, but it is the difference between a smooth day and constantly budgeting time to buy water on and off the boat.

Wine and open-bar style comfort

Alcoholic beverages listed are wine, and the onboard setup aims to keep you comfortable rather than making you go hunting for every drink. One traveler noted a small refundable cup fee (3 euro) to access unlimited refills, and that refund was returned at the end of the day.

So the practical advice is this: expect wine to be part of the included deal, and if refills use a cup system, be prepared that they may collect a small refundable charge. It is not a deal-breaker, but it is good to know so you are not surprised mid-cruise.

What is not included (so you can plan)

You should know what you will still need to cover yourself. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and neither are coffee and/or tea. WiFi is not included on board either.

If snorkeling is your thing, bring your own basic mask if you have one. If not, do what most people do and focus on swimming and relaxing. The islands are the main event, not an equipment-based activity.

Boat comfort, motion sickness, and real expectations

No one wants to start their day feeling queasy. The good news is that the cruise seems aware of motion. One traveler specifically mentioned that Dramamine was available on board, which is exactly what you want to hear when the sea gets a bit choppy.

That said, rough water can happen in the Adriatic. If you are sensitive, consider taking a preventative motion-sickness option before you board, then use the onboard help if you need it.

Also, this is a day trip where you will likely spend more time sitting than running around. That is good for comfort, but it also means the boat can feel warmer or warmer-damp depending on the weather. Wear layers you can adjust, even in summer, so you are not stuck between sun and shade.

Dubrovnik logistics: where the day starts and why it matters

The tour starts at 10:45 am and ends back at the meeting point. That round-trip structure is useful if you do not want to figure out how to get back after the last island.

The meeting area is near public transportation, so you can get there without complicated transfers. Also, mobile tickets make it simpler. You do not need to print anything or chase paper confirmations at the pier.

One more helpful clue from someone who booked near a well-known hotel: the departure seemed convenient if you are staying around the Sheraton area, since the boat was right there. If you are in that zone, you can keep your day streamlined.

With a maximum of 120 travelers, the boat is not a tiny private yacht, but it also should not feel like a cattle ship. It is enough people to have energy, not so many that everything becomes slow.

Is the time on Lopud and Old Town enough?

This is the question that decides whether you will love this cruise or wish for more.

On paper, the island times are straightforward:

• Kolocep: about 45 minutes
• Sipan: about 40 minutes
• Lopud: about 2 hours
• Old Town: about 1 hour 30 minutes

In practice, Lopud is the only stop where you might feel time pressure if you want a specific beach like Šunj. If you commit to getting to that far side, you may end up with less pure beach time after transport.

Old Town is similar. You can do a meaningful stroll and grab a few photos, but you probably should not plan a full wall walk or a long, detailed museum-style visit during that 1.5-hour block.

My advice: treat this as an island experience first, then use Old Town time as a bonus. If Old Town is your top priority, you might still do it, but you should pick just one or two “must-see” points so you do not feel rushed.

Price and value at $84.66 per person

At $84.66 per person, the value is strongest if you price out what is bundled.

You are getting:

• A 7-hour organized boat day
• Stops at multiple islands instead of just one
• Lunch with a real choice (fish, chicken, vegetarian)
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages (wine listed)
• Admission tickets included for certain segments
• A restroom on board

If you were doing the same day yourself, you would likely spend on transport between islands plus a meal plus time. You might find cheaper options using local ferries, but you would be trading convenience and timing for savings, and you could struggle to connect between some islands efficiently.

So I view this as a “pay for ease” day. It is not the cheapest route, but it is one of the least stressful.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip)

This cruise is a good fit if:

• You want a first taste of the Elaphite Islands without planning ferries
• You like swimming but do not want to build a full beach-only itinerary
• You want lunch and drinks handled for you
• You appreciate a day plan that balances nature with a quick Dubrovnik touch

It might not be ideal if:

• You want long stays on beaches or want to spend half a day at one spot
• You plan to do a full Old Town circuit in one stop
• You are a strict coffee person, because coffee and tea are not included

If you are in the first group, you should feel pretty satisfied with the structure.

Practical tips to make the day smoother

A few small choices make a big difference on a boat day.

• Bring swim-ready basics even if you think you will just walk. The schedule includes multiple swimming moments.
• Plan your Lopud priorities early. If Šunj is your target, budget for the extra travel time.
• Wear comfortable shoes for quick walks on islands and slick paths near the port areas.
• Since coffee and tea are not included, decide if you want to eat before boarding or bring your own small comfort items.
• If you get motion sickness easily, consider taking precautions before the ride and ask if Dramamine is available when you board.

One last thing: this tour requires good weather. If conditions are rough, the day can be adjusted or canceled, so keep an eye on forecasts if you are booking around other plans.

Should you book this island hopping and city walls cruise?

I think this one is worth booking if you want a structured, low-effort day that still feels like you got out of town and onto the water. The mix of islands, plus lunch and wine, makes it feel complete. And the host support, with Ana mentioned for being helpful and friendly, is the kind of detail that makes tours feel safer and smoother.

Book it if your ideal day includes:

• fast island orientation
• swimming with minimal planning
• a simple meal that is already taken care of
• a sunset return into Dubrovnik, with a short Old Town walk afterward

Skip it if you want a slow beach day with hours of downtime at one location, or if you have Old Town as a top priority and need more than 1.5 hours to do it properly.

If your goal is a smart first Elaphite Islands day without logistical stress, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and how long does it take?

It starts at 10:45 am and runs for about 7 hours (approx.). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which islands are included, and how much time do you get at each?

You stop at Kolocep (about 45 minutes), Sipan (about 40 minutes), Lopud (about 2 hours), and Old Town in Dubrovnik (about 1 hour 30 minutes).

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is included, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian. Bottled water is also included.

Are snorkeling masks or equipment included?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

What drinks are included, and is coffee or WiFi provided?

Alcoholic beverages listed are wine, and bottled water is included. Coffee and/or tea are not included, and WiFi is not available on board.

Is there help available if you get motion sickness?

One review noted that Dramamine was available onboard if the ride feels rough.

What happens if weather is not good?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can you get a full refund if you cancel?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid is not refunded.